Sharapova returns in style

Maria Sharapova, meanwhile, returned from a near three-week absence to beat Daniela Hantuchova 6-4, 7-5 in the red group. It was the sixth-ranked Russian8217;s first win since August 31. Sharapova broke her ninth-ranked opponent in the ninth game before holding serve to take the first set. She then held off a late rally in the second and converted her fifth match point to secure her sixth straight win against Hantuchova.

8220;I think I did a good job just being positive, being tough and not letting wasted match points bother you because that can easily be done and things can start going another way very fast,8221; said Sharapova, the 2004 champion.

Second-ranked Svetlana Kuznetsova continued to struggle at the championships and against Ana Ivanovic, who won her third straight over the second-ranked Russian 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 in the other Red group match.

Sharapova has been hampered by a shoulder injury since the US Open, and had not played since losing to Belarus8217; Victoria Azarenka in the third round at Moscow.

8220;It8217;s so great to be on the court and to be able to concentrate on the match and not to worry about my shoulder or anything, just to play,8221; Sharapova said. 8220;I8217;m not surprised because I was training quite well.8221;

Hantuchova started the second set best, getting a break in the first game. But Sharapova broke back immediately with a crosscourt winner from the baseline to take command.

On Wednesday, Australian Open champion Serena Williams takes on Chakvetadze and Henin meets third-ranked Jelena Jankovic. In the Red group, Ivanovic plays Hantuchova.